BREAKING: Lake County BOS to hold special meeting on records-system access

LAKEPORT -- The Lake County Board of Supervisors is holding a special meeting Friday morning in response to Sheriff Frank Rivero cutting off Lakeport Police's access to a records system overseen by his office.

The meeting, which begins at 10 a.m. at the Lake County Courthouse," will feature discussions on "access to law enforcement information systems" and "options to provide for the efficient and cooperative access to said system by all local law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety," according to the agenda posted Thursday morning.

Board Vice Chair Denise Rushing called for the special meeting after receiving a request from a fellow supervisor in light of the dispute between the sheriff and Lakeport city officials, according to an email she sent to county staff.

Rivero said he would attend the special meeting. "I will be there, and I welcome the opportunity to hear these issues out publicly," he added.

The sheriff suspended access to the records information management system (RIMS) for Lakeport Police officers, as well as the Lake County Probation Department and some jail officials, on Tuesday.

Rivero, who said he found evidence of Lakeport Police representatives misusing the system, contends the moves were necessary to protect citizens' safety and privacy rights.

Critics, including Lakeport Police Chief Brad Rasmussen, say the decision endangers the public and law enforcement officials.

Lakeport city staff argues the access denial breaches the city's contract with the county for dispatch services. The 2005 agreement makes no specific reference to RIMS.

"This information is necessary for the police department to conduct law enforcement operations and to provide for officer and public safety," Lakeport Mayor and former city police chief Tom Engstrom wrote in a letter to the supervisors Wednesday asking them to discuss the issue at their earliest convenience.

The supervisors do not have a regular meeting scheduled until May 7.

Only three board members are expected to attend the special meeting Friday as supervisors Anthony Farrington and Jeff Smith are reportedly out of town.

Jeremy Walsh is a staff reporter for Lake County Publishing. Reach him at 263-5636, ext. 37 or jwalsh@record-bee.com. Follow coverage on Twitter or participate in the conversation, @JeremyDWalsh, #LakeBOS or #Rivero.